Manganflurlite is a rare phosphate mineral typically found in complex granite pegmatites as a product of secondary alteration. It is best identified by its distinct yellowish-brown hues and its occurrence within phosphate-rich zones alongside other rare minerals like triphylite.
Is this manganflurlite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch manganflurlite with a known reference. Manganflurlite sits at Mohs ~2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: buff.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous iridescent.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Manganflurlite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Fillowite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. ~2.5); streak differs, so Manganflurlite leaves buff, Fillowite leaves white; luster reads vitreous iridescent on Manganflurlite and subresinous to greasy on Fillowite.
How to tell apart: Triphylite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. ~2.5); streak differs, so Manganflurlite leaves buff, Triphylite leaves white to grayish white.
Often found alongside manganflurlite
Minerals reported to co-occur with manganflurlite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ZnMn₃Fe(PO₄)₃(OH)₂(H₂O)₇·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- ~2.5
- Density
- 2.73 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Buff
- Luster
- Vitreous iridescent
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}, good on {100} and {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A late-stage, relatively low-temperature, secondary hydrothermal mineral in a zoned granitic pegmatite
Where rockhounds find manganflurlite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hagendorf South pegmatite (Germany)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A late-stage, relatively low-temperature, secondary hydrothermal mineral in a zoned granitic pegmatite. If you start seeing phosphophyllite, hydroxylapatite, jahnsite- in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify manganflurlite?+
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What rocks look like manganflurlite?+
What minerals are found with manganflurlite?+
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Find manganflurlite on the map
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